Second Home First

Second Home First

What if your 401(k) came with a fire pit and a lake view? Hosted by hospitality veteran and short-term rental expert, Katie Cline, Second Home First is a brand new podcast that explores an unconventional path to homeownership. For Katie, living in New York City made buying a home feel impossible, so she decided to flip the script and buy her ‘second home’ first. With renting now more affordable than owning in all 50 of the largest U.S. metros, buying any home–let alone a ‘second’ one–has never felt more out of reach. But Second Home First shows listeners how to make homeownership not only possible, but profitable by purchasing a vacation home that can double as a short-term rental—building wealth for tomorrow while providing a place to vacation for free today! What 401(k) can do that? As a 3x vacation home owner, Katie breaks down her proven strategy step by step, sharing actionable lessons each week so listeners can do it too. In addition to tactical solo episodes, the show will feature exclusive interviews with experts, real stories from people who’ve done it too, and Q&A coaching sessions with aspiring second home owners. Second Home First gives listeners the tools, insights, and inspiration to make their dream vacation home a reality.

  1. 11H AGO

    [EXPERT] Are You a “Real” Adult if You Don’t Own a Home?

    Are you a “real” adult if you don’t own your primary home? Today’s expert guest, a generational researcher, explains how that definition of true adulthood was shaped by our parents’ era—and why it’s no longer relevant for Millennials and Gen Z. This Week’s Expert: Dr. Meghan Grace is a generational expert, researcher, and author who’s spent her career studying how Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping the way we think about careers, money, and yes, real estate. She’s here to share insights on why younger generations are especially drawn to strategies like Second Home First—from growing up in the sharing economy to coming of age in a digital-first world. She also breaks down the latest research which just might prove that my Baby Boomer Dad’s skepticism wasn’t personal—but generational. Tune in to learn: -Why the “forever home” is a myth  -How generational mindset shifts impact our approach to life -How younger buyers are using short-term rentals to offset mortgages and build equity -Why renting in high-cost cities can be a strategic financial move, not a failure -How buying a second home first can unlock both lifestyle freedom and long-term wealth Key links: –Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com/#subscribe  –Visit the website: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com –Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @BuyYourSecondHomeFirst –Find us on Substack: SecondHomeFirst.Substack.com  –Say Hi! Hello@BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com (mailto:Hello@BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com)  A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors: Lodgify: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=28y Use code SHF20 for an ADDITIONAL (!) 20% their yearly and bi-yearly plans Minoan: https://www.Minoan.com/SecondHome   Use the link provided to sign up and receive a free $25 in credit. Turno: https://go.turno.com/second_home_first  Use the link provided to get $25 off your first clean. Flytographer: https://www.Flytographer.com/SHF   Use code SHF25 for $25 off your first shoot PriceLabs: https://hello.pricelabs.co/signup/?referral=secondhomefirst  Use code SecondHomeFirst (all one word) for a 30-day free trial, plus $10 off your first invoice

    29 min
  2. JAN 13

    [REAL STORIES] How Two Vacation Homes Replaced a Six-Figure Salary

    Imagine discovering that the thing that would unlock more freedom and flexibility for your family wasn’t scaling your business… but owning a vacation home. Today’s guest learned that firsthand when, instead of buying a primary home, she jumped into investing—and watched just two properties earn more in a year than her husband’s lucrative salary as a dentist. This Week’s Guest: Kacia Ghetmiri is the host of the wildly popular EmpowerHer podcast, which boasts more than 14 million downloads (!). Based in Denver, she and her husband were saving to buy a primary home when they decided to buy their second home first… or more accurately, homes. They wanted to invest in real estate to give their family more optionality in the future and to find a way to stop trading time for money.  Tune in to learn: -Why surrounding yourself with people who are already doing what you want to do is the fastest way to prove it’s possible. -How creative financing can make owning a vacation home far more attainable than you think. -That YOU are your own target guest. -Why Kacia believes NOT investing in real estate is actually the riskiest move of all. Key links: –Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com/#subscribe  –Visit the website: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com –Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @BuyYourSecondHomeFirst –Find us on Substack: SecondHomeFirst.Substack.com  –Say Hi! Hello@BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com  A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors: Lodgify: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=28y Use code SHF20 for an ADDITIONAL (!) 20% their yearly and bi-yearly plans Minoan: https://www.Minoan.com/SecondHome   Use the link provided to sign up and receive a free $25 in credit. Turno: https://go.turno.com/second_home_first  Use the link provided to get $25 off your first clean. Flytographer: https://www.Flytographer.com/SHF   Use code SHF25 for $25 off your first shoot PriceLabs: https://hello.pricelabs.co/signup/?referral=secondhomefirst  Use code SecondHomeFirst (all one word) for a 30-day free trial, plus $10 off your first invoice

    33 min
  3. JAN 6

    [EXPERT] 2026 Predictions: The Top Three Interior Design Trends to Watch

    Are you dreaming of owning a vacation home that looks like it was pulled straight from the pages of Arch Digest? Today’s expert episode breaks down exactly how to design with intention, and shares our expert’s predictions of the top interior design trends for 2026. What type of vacation home owner would you be?  Take the quiz to find out: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com/Quiz This Week’s Expert: Alex McBride is the Senior Brand Partnerships Manager at Minoan, a free platform that helps vacation-home owners furnish smarter and save on the brands they already love. In her role, Alex works closely with more than 180 premium home and lifestyle brands, giving her a front-row seat to the world of interior design. With her finger on the pulse of what’s in and what’s out, Alex helps translate industry trends into practical design decisions for second home owners. Tune in to learn: -The top interior design trends of 2025 -Expert predictions for the top three interior design trends of 2026 -Why vacation homes should be designed differently than primary residences -Why intentionality matters more than ever in vacation home design -The simple trick every owner should use before committing to design decisions -How to earn passive income by making your home shoppable Key links: –Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com/#subscribe  –Visit the website: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com –Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @BuyYourSecondHomeFirst –Find us on Substack: SecondHomeFirst.Substack.com  –Say Hi! Hello@BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com  A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors: Lodgify: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=28y Use code SHF20 for an ADDITIONAL (!) 20% their yearly and bi-yearly plans Minoan: https://www.Minoan.com/SecondHome   Use the link provided to sign up and receive a free $25 in credit. Turno: https://go.turno.com/second_home_first  Use the link provided to get $25 off your first clean. Flytographer: https://www.Flytographer.com/SHF   Use code SHF25 for $25 off your first shoot PriceLabs: https://hello.pricelabs.co/signup/?referral=secondhomefirst  Use code SecondHomeFirst (all one word) for a 30-day free trial, plus $10 off your first invoice

    34 min
  4. 12/30/2025

    Five Resolutions to Make 2026 the Year You Buy a Vacation Home (That Pays for Itself!)

    What if, a year from now, you were ringing in the New Year from your dream vacation home? One that builds equity, appreciates and grows your wealth, all while someone else is paying your mortgage. Oh, and gives you a place to vacation for free!  Sign Up for the Live Masterclass to Help You Buy Your Second Home in 2026: https://secondhomefirst.kit.com/7a034eb70d On this episode of Second Home First, host Katie Cline walks you through exactly how to turn the idea of “someday” into a plan (and a purchase!) in 2026. Instead of vague resolutions, she shares five clear, doable steps that move you closer to owning a vacation home that fits your life and your finances. Katie also shares her own story of buying her second home first, providing listeners and viewers with the master plan she wishes she had when going through the process herself. Whether you’re just starting to dream or already dabbling on Zillow, this episode is your roadmap to make 2026 the year you buy your vacation home. Tune in to learn: -Why talking to a mortgage lender early is a power move -How to decide where to buy, and why your first choice may not be your final one -The biggest mistakes people make when it comes to understanding short-term rental regulations -How to find the right real estate agent -Why touring homes before you’re “ready” is one of the smartest steps you can take Download the free Starter Kit: https://www.buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/set-goals-that-work-for-you/starter-kit  Vacation Home Owner Archetype Quiz: https://www.buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/quiz  Where to Buy links: –WHERE Should You Buy a Vacation Home? A Step-By-Step Guide: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-should-you-buy-a-vacation-home-a-step-by-step-guide/id1849178409?i=1000737452794  –The Secret to Picking the Perfect Place For Your Vacation Home on Substack: https://secondhomefirst.substack.com/p/the-secret-to-picking-the-perfect  Regulations links: –Download the Due Diligence Worksheet: https://www.buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/the-red-tape/due-diligence-worksheet   –Download the Due Diligence Checklist: https://www.buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/the-red-tape/due-diligence-checklist –Is Renting Your Dream Vacation Home… Illegal? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-renting-your-dream-vacation-home-illegal/id1849178409?i=1000740372286  –Is Renting Your Vacation Home Even Legal? on Substack https://secondhomefirst.substack.com/p/is-renting-your-vacation-home-even  Other key links: –Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com/#subscribe  –Visit the website: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com –Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @BuyYourSecondHomeFirst –Find us on Substack: SecondHomeFirst.Substack.com  –Say Hi! Hello@BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com  A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors: Lodgify: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=28y Use code SHF20 for an ADDITIONAL (!) 20% their yearly and bi-yearly plans Minoan: https://www.Minoan.com/SecondHome   Use the link provided to sign up and receive a free $25 in credit. Turno: https://go.turno.com/second_home_first  Use the link provided to get $25 off your first clean Flytographer: https://www.Flytographer.com/SHF   Use code SHF25 for $25 off your first shoot PriceLabs: https://hello.pricelabs.co/signup/?referral=secondhomefirst  Use code SecondHomeFirst (all one word) for a 30-day free trial, plus $10 off your first invoice

    28 min
  5. 12/23/2025

    [EXPERT] The Real Reason You Need a Vacation Home (Hint: It’s Not What You Think)

    What if the most valuable part of owning a vacation home isn’t the real estate itself… but the moments the house makes possible? Just in time for the holidays, today’s expert episode explores how to make the most of the time we share with the people we love, and how to capture those memories to last a lifetime. This Week’s Expert: Nicole Smith, Founder and CEO of Flytographer, reveals how a single bad selfie in Paris sparked a global travel-photography company and completely changed the way millions of travelers document their vacations. Nicole breaks down why meaningful memories matter, how to be more intentional with the photos you take, and the simple storytelling techniques that make family trips (and vacation homes!) feel richer, more connected, and truly unforgettable. Tune in to learn: -Why most travelers are documenting their vacations all wrong (and how to fix it) -How to capture emotion, rituals, and micro-moments that make any vacation home stand out -The storytelling principles every vacation-home owner should use when photographing their property -The biggest mistakes people make when taking photos on vacation -Why your vacation home becomes a powerful marker of time and how to preserve those memories for years to come Key links: –Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com/#subscribe  –Visit the website: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com –Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @BuyYourSecondHomeFirst –Find us on Substack: SecondHomeFirst.Substack.com  –Say Hi! Hello@BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com  A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors: Lodgify: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=28y Use code SHF20 for an ADDITIONAL (!) 20% their yearly and bi-yearly plans Minoan: https://www.Minoan.com/SecondHome   Use the link provided to sign up and receive a free $25 in credit. Turno: https://go.turno.com/second_home_first  Use the link provided to get $25 off your first clean Flytographer: https://www.Flytographer.com/SHF   Use code SHF25 for $25 off your first shoot PriceLabs: https://hello.pricelabs.co/signup/?referral=secondhomefirst  Use code SecondHomeFirst (all one word) for a 30-day free trial, plus $10 off your first invoice

    25 min
  6. 12/16/2025

    [REAL STORIES] She Lives in Manhattan… but Bought a Beach Condo for Half the Price

    What would you do if the only way to afford a home in your city meant compromising on almost everything you wanted — and spending close to a million dollars to get it?  On this Real Stories episode, you’ll meet Leanne, who realized that buying in New York City meant giving up too much… and instead chose to buy her second home first on Hilton Head Island for half the price. In this conversation, Leanne shares why working with a local real estate agent became a game-changer, how hiring a management company turned into an essential part of her success, and the one simple question her realtor asked that completely shifted her buying strategy. Tune in to learn: -The question her Hilton Head realtor asked her that changed everything -Why buying a vacation home made more financial sense than buying in Manhattan -What she learned about closing costs, timelines and out-of-state ownership -Why hiring a local management company became a key to her success -How she balances personal use vs. maximizing revenue -Her advice for anyone scared to take the leap — especially doing it alone Key links: –Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com/#subscribe  –Visit the website: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com –Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @BuyYourSecondHomeFirst –Find us on Substack: SecondHomeFirst.Substack.com  –Say Hi! Hello@BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com  A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors: Lodgify: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=28y Use code SHF20 for an ADDITIONAL (!) 20% their yearly and bi-yearly plans Minoan: https://www.Minoan.com/SecondHome   Use the link provided to sign up and receive a free $25 in credit. Turno: https://go.turno.com/second_home_first  Use the link provided to get $25 off your first clean Flytographer: https://www.Flytographer.com/SHF   Use code SHF25 for $25 off your first shoot PriceLabs: https://hello.pricelabs.co/signup/?referral=secondhomefirst  Use code SecondHomeFirst (all one word) for a 30-day free trial, plus $10 off your first invoice

    23 min
  7. 12/09/2025

    Is Renting Your Dream Vacation Home… Illegal?

    If you’re dreaming of owning a vacation home that pays for itself, there’s one thing you simply can’t ignore: regulations. On today’s episode, we’re diving into this crucial (and often overlooked) step of the buying process. I’ll walk you through exactly how to find out if a property can be legally rented, what existing rules mean for your purchase, and how to track the trends and community attitudes that shape the regulations of tomorrow. Tune in to learn: -How to figure out who’s actually in charge -The easiest way to check short-term rental regulations -How to gauge community sentiment and spot red flags before you buy -What permits you might need—and what’s required to get approved Key links: –Download the Due Diligence Worksheet: https://www.buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/the-red-tape/due-diligence-worksheet  –Download the Due Diligence Checklist: https://www.buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/the-red-tape/due-diligence-checklist –US Census Bureau's Geocoder website (choose “Stateside Parsed Address Processing” under “Find Geographies”): https://geocoding.geo.census.gov/geocoder/geographies/address?form  –Is Renting Your Vacation Home Even Legal? on Substack: https://secondhomefirst.substack.com/p/is-renting-your-vacation-home-even  –Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com/#subscribe  –Visit the website: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com –Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @BuyYourSecondHomeFirst –Find us on Substack: SecondHomeFirst.Substack.com  –Say Hi! Hello@BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com  A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors: Lodgify: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=28y *Extended until December 12, use code BF65SHFVIP for 65% (!) off their yearly and bi-yearly Professional and Ultimate plans. Minoan: https://www.Minoan.com/SecondHome   Use the link provided to sign up and receive a free $25 in credit Turno: https://go.turno.com/second_home_first  Use the link provided to get $25 off your first clean. Flytographer: https://www.Flytographer.com/SHF   Use code SHF25 for $25 off your first shoot PriceLabs: https://hello.pricelabs.co/signup/?referral=secondhomefirst  Use code SecondHomeFirst (all one word) for a 30-day free trial, plus $10 off your first invoice Keywords: short-term rental regulations, STR regulations, short term rental regulations, Airbnb regulations, rules, permits

    21 min
  8. 12/02/2025

    [EXPERT] No Money? No Problem: Buy Your Second Home With Your 401(k)

    What if the money you’ve been saving for retirement could actually help you buy your dream vacation home now… without paying a single penalty? Today’s expert episode unlocks a little-known strategy that could completely shift your mindset around affordability—and show you that your down payment may already be within reach. This Week’s Expert: Olivia Tati, founder of Wanderlust Wealth Academy and real estate investor extraordinaire, is breaking down how she used her 401(k) to buy her first investment property. She demystifies the risks and rewards, explains the step-by-step process, and shows how borrowing against your retirement savings can help you take your second home leap. Tune in to learn: -How a 401(k) loan works and why it’s different from cashing out (no penalties, no taxes, interest goes back to you!) -The exact steps Olivia took to buy her first investment property with her retirement funds -How to evaluate if this strategy makes sense for your own second home goals -Tips for navigating lenders, providers, and maximizing your investment Key links: –Olivia’s 401(k) loan Substack post: https://substack.com/home/post/p-172426546  –Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com/#subscribe  –Visit the website: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com –Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @BuyYourSecondHomeFirst –Find us on Substack: SecondHomeFirst.Substack.com  –Say Hi! Hello@BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com  –Contact Olivia: @TheOliviaTati and OliviaTati.com A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors: Lodgify: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=28y *From now until December 4, use code BF65SHFVIP for 65% (!) off their yearly and bi-yearly Professional and Ultimate plans. Minoan: https://www.Minoan.com/SecondHome   Use the link provided to sign up and receive a free $25 in credit. Turno: https://go.turno.com/second_home_first  Use the link provided to get $25 off your first clean Flytographer: https://www.Flytographer.com/SHF   Use code SHF25 for $25 off your first shoot PriceLabs: https://hello.pricelabs.co/signup/?referral=secondhomefirst  Use code SecondHomeFirst (all one word) for a 30-day free trial, plus $10 off your first invoice

    21 min
5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

What if your 401(k) came with a fire pit and a lake view? Hosted by hospitality veteran and short-term rental expert, Katie Cline, Second Home First is a brand new podcast that explores an unconventional path to homeownership. For Katie, living in New York City made buying a home feel impossible, so she decided to flip the script and buy her ‘second home’ first. With renting now more affordable than owning in all 50 of the largest U.S. metros, buying any home–let alone a ‘second’ one–has never felt more out of reach. But Second Home First shows listeners how to make homeownership not only possible, but profitable by purchasing a vacation home that can double as a short-term rental—building wealth for tomorrow while providing a place to vacation for free today! What 401(k) can do that? As a 3x vacation home owner, Katie breaks down her proven strategy step by step, sharing actionable lessons each week so listeners can do it too. In addition to tactical solo episodes, the show will feature exclusive interviews with experts, real stories from people who’ve done it too, and Q&A coaching sessions with aspiring second home owners. Second Home First gives listeners the tools, insights, and inspiration to make their dream vacation home a reality.